There are a number of different sources for
this name or variations of it. The name appears to be applied to a
variety of dark brown or reddish-brown or purplish-brown cultivars.

Publication:

Parentage:

Phormium tenax

Leaf colour

Colour group:

Brown

Upper surface:

Brown with purple overtones on the midrib and towards the
edges.

Lower surface:

Grey-brown with a dark midrib and margins.

Comments:

There are many different forms with this name, and a wide range of colour,
size and shape.

Growth form

Shape group:

Upright

Leaf length:

< cm

Leaf width:

< cm

Comments

Some forms have spreading or arching leaves.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers:

Pictures (Click to enlarge)

Published descriptions

HOR

(Purpureum Group) Rubrum, Purpureum, and Atropurpureum.
These names are used interchangeably for several dark-leaved plants
that usually grow eight to nine feet tall and vary in color from
bronze to burgundy.